Barbara Davis, 70, of Northampton, PA passed away August 14, 2025. She was the loving wife of James Davis. Barb was born in Bethlehem, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Peter P. and Frances M. (Fuhrman) Faleski. Barb graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem, PA, Burlington Community College in Burlington, NJ and Cedar Crest College in Allentown, PA. Barb was a Registered Nurse, ER Department Manager, and Director of Nursing. Barb began the Sexual Assault Unit in the ER Department at 17th and Chew. She worked for Lehigh Valley Hospital and Westfield Hospital.
She was a member of the St Joseph the Worker in Orefield. Barb was an avid cruiser and has taken more than 50 cruises. While on the ship she enjoyed playing bingo, snorkeling, attending shows and going to the casino. She also enjoyed being with the grandchildren, doing crafts and arranging flowers. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: husband- James R. Davis, children- James A. Davis and wife Stacey, Jason Davis, Bradley Davis and wife Margaret, grandchildren- Hanna, Chase, Makayla, Emily and Natalie, siblings- Henry A Faleski, Karen D Luise, Frances S Beaver and David P Faleski. She was predeceased by her sibling- Peter Faleski.
A viewing will be held Saturday, August 23rd 11:00AM-12:30PM with a Service to be held at 12:30PM in Downing Funeral Home, Inc., 1002 W Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Barb's name to the LV Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

Michael R. Hawk, 54, of Perkasie, passed away August 14, 2025. Born in Bethlehem, he was the son of William Hawk Jr. and the late Donna (Brush) Hawk. Michael graduated from Liberty High School. He had previously worked in the Weis bakery, for William Hawk Painting and J’s Subs. Michael loved animals, enjoyed fishing and going to concerts. He will be forever in our thoughts.
Survivors: father- William Hawk Jr.; brothers- Matt Hawk and his wife Jessica, Bill Hawk III and his wife Shannon; many Aunts, Uncles, Nieces and Nephews.
Services will be Private. Arrangements are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Edward J. Hearn, 77, of Bethlehem, passed away in his home on August 13, 2025. He was the beloved husband of Susan J. (Johnson) Hearn who he met at 17 years old. They would have been married 56 years in October. Born into a large family of cherished aunts, uncles, and cousins in Hazelton, he was the son of the late Elizabeth Ann (Generose) and Edward Lee Hearn. His family eventually settled and grew in Bethlehem where he chose to remain and raise a family of his own. He enjoyed the simple life of his childhood in the Kaywin development along with the summers he spent in Fairmont, West Virginia, the hometown of his father.
Ed graduated from Liberty High School in 1965 and later served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. During this time, he flew second seat as a TO (Technical Observer) in the OV-1B Mohawk, responsible for operating the aircraft's surveillance and reconnaissance equipment. He was grateful that he, unlike so many, was able to return home safely. He shared stories of this time throughout his life.
He began his career at Western Electric where he became a master machinist. He remained there through the many company changes, ultimately retiring from Agere Systems where he proudly served as the Union Vice President of IBEW Local 1522.
Edward was a devoted father to his two daughters, Kelly and Lori, who adored him beyond words. He cared greatly for his five siblings who as kids, referred to him as “Brother.” He enjoyed being a part of his giant extended family, and took a vested interest in the lives of his nieces and nephews. He was so proud of all of them. He made and kept friends wherever he went and often made them feel like family as well. His grandson and granddaughter, whom he referred to as “his heart and soul,” were his obvious favorites. He loved to watch them perform and would be only too happy to share a video or photo to anyone who hung around for more than ten minutes.
He loved to share stories and often sang or whistled a tune as he moved throughout his day. He was a great listener and genuinely enjoyed hearing from others. He loved to golf and try his luck at the casino. He enjoyed travelling, good food, meeting new people, and spending time with friends and family. He was so much fun to be around and a darn good dancer, too.
Mr. Hearn, Edward, Eddie, Ed, Dad, Brother, and Pop-Pop, depending on how you knew him, will surely be remembered for his humor and wit, but mostly for his kindness. He treated everyone with respect and had a kind and generous heart that only became softer with time. He was quick to lend a hand whenever it was needed to friends and strangers alike.
He will be deeply missed but kept alive in our memories and actions until we meet again in Heaven.
Survivors: wife- Susan J. Hearn; daughters- Kelly Hearn and Lori Davidson wife of Nathan; grandchildren- Brady and Riley Davidson; siblings- Mary Moyer, Dolores Dalrymple and Thomas Hearn husband of Vanessa. He was predeceased by his siblings- Elizabeth Pass and Mark Hearn.
His family would like to invite everyone to join them for Military Honors on Sunday, September 14th at 12PM with a Celebration of Life to follow at the Bethlehem Municipal Golf Course 400 Illick’s Mill Rd Bethlehem, PA 18017 in the pavilion behind the Club House Grille Restaurant.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Edward’s memory to Second Harvest of Lehigh Valley 6969 Silver Crest Road Nazareth, PA 18064.

Linda J. Gray, 76, of Bethlehem, passed away on July 12, 2025. She was the loving wife of 54 years to John P. Gray. Born in Champaign-Urbana, IL, Linda was the daughter of the late Edward and Jeanne (Trainor) LaChapelle. A successful business woman for nearly 40 years, Linda traveled to several continents in her final role as purchasing manager before retiring from FLSmidth. Linda was a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington.

Linda was a member of Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church and of the Church's 55+ Club. She was also a member of the ZTA Sorority for which she volunteered while serving as advisor to her sorority sisters at Moravian University. Linda enjoyed traveling, reading, walking, dancing, aerobics and spending time with her family wherever they were in the world. She was an incredibly kindhearted person who enjoyed taking care of others, and was a fantastic cook.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, including her surviving relatives: husband- John Gray; daughters- Michele Gray and Shannon Flounders and husband Jef; grandchildren- Julien Sanchez, Adriene Sanchez, Haley Flounders, Mason Flounders and Luke Flounders; and, siblings- Ed LaChapelle, Richard LaChapelle, Mary Kozma, John LaChapelle and Leslie Bennett.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, July 17th from 10-11am at Notre Dame of Bethlehem Catholic Church, 1861 Catasauqua Rd., Bethlehem, PA with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11am. Burial to follow at Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Linda’s memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or the Alzheimer’s Association, care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Ronald “Ron” P. Nelson, 75, of Center Valley, passed away on Friday, July 4, 2025 at Lehigh Valley Hospital. He grew up in Fountain Hill, son of the late Paul and Caroline (Spirk), and husband to the late Mary Wagner. Ron was ‘a jack of all trades’ working as a salesman to a construction worker. Over the years, he had many dogs, always a German Shepherd, who became his favorite companions. He was an avid gun collector. He enjoyed watching sports, action movies and reading adventurous books. He was an accomplished chess player and would retell the story of playing chess with the inmates of Lewisburg Penitentiary. Did you hear this story? Ron loved to tell stories about events that happened to him and his family and his pets. He was an optimist and never complained about his life situation.
Ron will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Cindi Nelson Christman, sons Brian (Pankey) and Rob Wagner (Karen), daughter, Kim Barrett, and grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Calling hours will be held Friday, July 18, 2025 from 6-8pm at the Downing Funeral Home, 1002 West Broad St in Bethlehem. Saturday service is private.
Memorial contribution may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

Anne Louise (Lesica) Eslieb passed away peacefully on May 15, 2025 after a full and vibrant 87 years. Anne was the wife of her beloved Amos J. Eslieb. She was predeceased by her son John whom she so loved. Anne was born on Staten Island to Anthony and Phyllis Lesica. She was a graduate of Wagner College and Rutgers University. She had an enormous compassion for children and was employed as a guidance counselor in the N.Y.C. public schools and schools in PA.

She cherished her cousins and niece Marian Tanasiuk and treasured friends.

Services will be Private and are entrusted to Downing Funeral Home, Inc.

Donations may be made to Mercy Special Learning School 830 S. Woodward St. Allentown, PA 18103.

Irene Emily (Kerecz) Recor, 98, of Bethlehem, passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2025. She was the loving wife of the late Oscar M. Recor. Born in Bethlehem, she was the daughter of the late Kalman and Amelia (Szukics) Kerecz. Irene retired from Burron Medical Supply. She was a member of Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church and their auxiliary. Irene loved celebrating her Yugoslavian heritage. She was very artistic and enjoyed making and teaching ceramics. Irene was a phenomenal cook, gardener and seamstress. She loved to travel, dance, was extremely social, full of energy and enthusiasm. She had a zest for life and loved everyone. She will be deeply missed.
Survivors: daughter- Roxanne Wright, son- Rodney Recor, grandchildren- Colin Wright and Lauren Skaggs, great grandchildren- Michael Wright and Emily Grace Skaggs, niece- Emily Ann Harley, nephews- Bela Kerecz Jr. and Robert Kerecz. She was predeceased by her siblings- Christina Kacmar, Stephen Kerecz, Bela Kerecz, Kalman Kerecz Jr., Joseph Kerecz and Frank Kerecz.
A calling time will be held Tuesday, April 22nd 10:30-11:00AM with a Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11AM all in Saints Simon and Jude Catholic Church 730 W. Broad St. Bethlehem, PA 18018. Burial to follow in Holy Saviour Cemetery, Bethlehem.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital care of Downing Funeral Home, Inc.